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UnityPoint Health brings Project SEARCH to Trinity, Rock Island; helps special needs students prepare for careers
By Sharon Wren,
1 days agoA workforce training program that prepares people with special needs for employment is expanding to UnityPoint Health – Trinity.
Project SEARCH is now being offered at Trinity Rock Island. This brings the program to a third Trinity location and expands opportunities for local students to prepare for the workforce. Project SEARCH is also offered at Trinity Bettendorf and Trinity Muscatine.
Project SEARCH is a workforce development program for students with disabilities that offers immersive, hands-on training in a real work environment. Students gain valuable work experience through three internships over a nine-month period and develop job-specific and transferable skills that help prepare them for employment after graduation.
"At UnityPoint Health, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and share their talents," says Erick Recinos, community impact and engagement program manager at UnityPoint Health. "Project SEARCH reflects our commitment to creating opportunities for people of all abilities while building a workforce that better represents and serves our communities. Seeing students gain confidence, develop new skills and discover what's possible for their future is incredibly rewarding. We're honored to be part of their journey.”
Trinity is partnering with the Black Hawk Area Special Education District, which serves over 14 Illinois school districts in Rock Island, Henry and Mercer Counties, to bring Project SEARCH to its Rock Island hospital.
"Project SEARCH represents a major step forward in empowering our students with disabilities," says Kathy Ruggeberg, Ph.D., Black Hawk Area Special Education District Director. "Through this partnership with UnityPoint Health – Trinity, these interns will gain invaluable, real-world work experience that will open doors to lifelong career opportunities."
"What makes Project SEARCH so special is seeing students thrive," says Recinos. "When people feel supported and included, amazing things can happen. This program helps students develop skills, form connections and take important steps toward achieving their goals."
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
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